In Memoriam: John E. "Jack" Rice

John E. "Jack" Rice

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has received word of the death
June 4 of former employee John E. “Jack” Rice in Taunton, MA, after a
lengthy illness. He was 80.

Born in Taunton to the late John and Catherine (Casey) Rice, he lived
in the city most of his life. He graduated from Coyle High School in
1943. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Air Force OSI, serving
with the Air Force for 30 years before retiring in 1974.

John began his employment at the Institution in 1974 where he worked as
a security guard. "John was meticulous when performing his rounds
and was very detailed when reporting any incident. He was a real
gentleman with a wonderful smile and thoroughly enjoyed serving the
needs of WHOI employees throughout his career." said Ernie
Charette. John retired in 1992.

He was a member of the American Legion; Association of former OSI
Special Agents Inc., Veterans of Foreign Wars, AmVets, Retired Enlisted
Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Falmouth Lodge of Elks
and Disabled American Vets.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary C. Perry and Evelyn A. Rice, both
of Taunton; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late
Edward Rice.

His funeral will be at 9 a.m. June 8 at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home
followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Taunton. Calling
hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. June 7. Interment will be in St. Francis
Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to St.
Vincent DePaul, 19 Kilmer Ave. Taunton, MA, 02780, or Old Colony
Hospice, One Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA, 02365.

Originally published: June 7, 2007

WHOI is the world's leading non-profit oceanographic research organization. Our mission is to explore and understand the ocean and to educate scientists, students, decision-makers, and the public.